CHITTERING Residents and Ratepayers Association have expressed concerns regarding litter escaping from the Muchea Landfill and Recycling Centre into surrounding areas.

The landfill is operated by the Shire of Chittering and offers residents free disposal of general household waste, bulk household waste and recyclables.

Chittering Residents and Ratepayers member Mark Campbell said they became aware of litter escaping six weeks ago when a resident contacted them through Facebook.

“They are a business owner, so they know how important it is to the shire to keep their place of business clean,” Mr Campbell said.

“But then, when they go to the area – when we all go there – we can see that there is rubbish all over the fences and across the road.”

Mr Campbell said the association has expressed their disappointment to the shire and are awaiting a response.

“A lot of where the rubbish has been blown is industrial area and vacant land, but it still negatively impacts the people driving up and down the shire,” he said.

“It’s not a good look. Luckily most of it is light stuff and not heavy items that could cause accidents on the road, but it could still startle someone in the dark.

“I compare it to the one in Gingin and that one is well maintained with no rubbish on the outside.”

Mr Campbell believes poor management is at the heart of the issue.

“The staff at the tip can only work with the resources and directions they are provided,” he said.

“It needs to be properly maintained so there’s no rubbish floating around.”

According to the Shire of Chittering’s website, residents who do not live within a compulsory waste collection area can take their bins to the Muchea or Bindoon landfills.

“They actually have to take their wheelie bins and dump a bit at times,” Mr Campbell said.

“And obviously, we don’t have bulk pick up so if you want to get rid of big items we can do it free of charge there.

“So the landfill is a valuable and required service.

“We appreciate that it costs us through our rates and that’s why we want to see better maintenance.”

Echo News reached out to the Shire of Chittering for comment.